Coastal Poverty and Human Resource Management in Sri Lanka (with reference to Gampaha District Coastal belt)

Abstract

The objective of this study is to identify the reasons for coastal poverty. The impact of lack of Human and natural Resource Management on coastal poverty are examined and solutions are identified. The study is based on hundred families from the Bimpadura village in the Gampaha District coastal belt. It uses both primary and secondary data.

The poor are most affected by environmental damage, mismanagement of human resources and live in most degraded areas. The poor affect the marginal natural resource base on which they depend, and may cause further harm by overuse. Failures of government policy and lack of education opportunities, markets and institutions are identified as major underlying causes.

Key words: Coastal poverty and Resource Management

Sri Lankan Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Vol.1(1) July 2009